In a breakthrough, security officials on Wednesday published the initial sketches of the Pahalgam attack terrorists, as part of a massive hunt to arrest those responsible for the brutal attack that claimed 26 lives, including tourists and civilians.
The attack took place at the scenic Baisaran meadow, a green resort area close to Pahalgam, commonly called ‘mini Switzerland.’ Eyewitness accounts indicate that several terrorists swept down on the site and resorted to indiscriminate firing, leading to panic and chaos among tourists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official tour of Saudi Arabia at the time of the attack, shortened his visit and returned to Delhi to handle the situation. He also communicated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who also reached Kashmir the same day to meet officials and survivors.
The attackers are believed to have infiltrated from Kishtwar in Jammu and reached Baisaran through Kokernag in South Kashmir. Intelligence has indicated that operatives of The Resistance Front (TRF)—a front organisation of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—carried out the attack. PTI further reported that numerous persons in India are attributing the attack to a recent threatening statement made by Pakistan’s Army Chief.
International Reactions and Pakistan’s Official Statement
World leaders have shown profound regret and promised to support. “Full support to India,” declared US President Donald Trump while offering condolences and terming the act “horrific.
In return, Pakistan issued a rare statement. Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Khan stated, “We are distressed at the loss of lives of tourists in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We offer our condolences to the bereaved families of the martyrs and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” Pakistan’s Dawn news source wrote.
As the investigation deepens and search operations intensify, Indian troops remain on high alert. Moreover, with the suspects’ sketches now released, authorities hope this development will significantly contribute to identification efforts and arrest drives.
